Leaving dog

The anti-bark collar might sound a bit harsh, but once the puppy understands cause and effect he won't even have to wear it. We just show it to the dog and hang it over the door handle when we go out to remind him. There's not a peep out of him, and he doesn't know that it's not even switched on! The good thing is you can take it everywhere with you - to other people's houses and hotel rooms etc.

Sorry the anti-bark collars are horrid...you are using fear to train the dog, never a good idea in the long run.

Yes I so agree. The whole point is that we expect the dogs to adapt to our expectations and world, which to my mind is often a step too far. Dog's are pack animals - they need and should have every reason to expect that most of the time the members of that pack are with him. Of course there will be times - but these should be infrequent - when he must stay home alone, and every effort should be made to ensure that he copes with this enforced lonliness as far as is possible. One of the best ways is to wear him out with a good long walk and he will spend the time asleep.

lonniefrances When your dog goes off to day care, he is leaving the rest of his pack in the den while he is off "hunting". He expects you to still be there when he gets back. When you leave the den, he has been deserted by his pack, and he doesn't know that you will return - ever.

There was a TV programme where they dealt with this desertion anxiety. It was one of this series. www.channel4.com/programmes/dogs-their-secret-lives

I don't like aversive training techniques either, especially when used for emotional reactions like separation anxiety. I don't think the council would be interested in you neighbours threats - you're a responsible dog owner in the process of training your young dog, what's wrong with that.

I forgot to add to the information about crate training that I always leave the radio on for my dogs when they're left at home. I started this with the crate training, so the dogs didn't go from living in a busy home with people in and out to total silence. I leave it on low and daft though it may seem, I still do this even though my own dogs are 3 and 6. (plus daughter's 8 month old pup, don't ask - During the firework season I took to leaving radio 3 on with the hope the classical music would add to the calm atmosphere

Let's hope they weren't playing the 1812 Iam

The kong in the freezer is a good idea, but also have you tried leaving the radio on? Radio 4 is good because it is mostly voices. Good Luck.

I leave radio 4 on for my dog, too. If it's totally silent, she's too busy listening out for unexpected noises outside. It'll soon be that time of year to get nervous dogs used to the sound of fireworks in advance of bonfire night.

We came home one evening to find dog had turned on the telly! She had accidently pressed a knob as we had left remote on the sofa!

She was watching something ghastly on one of the minor channels!

Hilda that's so funny!

Hilda

Not as expensive as Peggy trying to jump on a worktop to steal the cat's food and turning the tumble drier on for the longest cycle.

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's a good idea to put the crate in the living room with the telly on because that's where the dog relaxes with you in the evening.

Vetbed to sleep on is nice for them as well; I think that they thing they're cuddling up to another dog.

How does the neighbour have so much control. Looks like they need a bit of retraining.

Explain to them what you are doing and how. Also say you will try and do it when they are out if possible. They will then know you are not leaving the dog for a long period. If they still get grumpy, smile and say we are making progress. Do not respond to their complaints by stopping reasonable dog training. That's rewarding bad behaviour.

Dog training and neighbour training are similar.

I don't think it's legal to lock your neighbours in a crate ajanela though I might be tempted to try an anti-bark collar on them.

Shame your neighbours are giving you so much pressure you have no time. Anyone who trains dogs will tell you there are no quick fixes. So, first thing I would recommend, is before you leave your lovely Lab, a very long exhausting off lead walk. A swim if you have a river close by. A weary dog is less likely to be so fretful. Then freeze a large Kong with mackerel in tomato sauce, or cream cheese, or such like. You can also purchase toys that use their mind (look online). Don't give these items at other times to devalue them. Give when you leave the house so these things are seen as such a wonderful treat, you going out is a very good thing! Build up the time left alone gradually. And a bottle of wine, bunch of flowers, chocolates to the neighbours, with an explanation (or a letter if they're a bit hostile) to say you are trying your absolute best to sort it out and he is, after all, only 5 months old! A mere baby. A safe den is a good idea, crate or otherwise. And no reassurance nonsense upon leaving. Just go without a lot of fuss. Good luck and best wishes, Gill

The TV Programme I saw on this subject said that making a huge fuss was underlining to the dog that your going away was a big thing, and being casual about it made it seem like no big deal.

Also, don't make a huge fuss when you return. I put my shopping on the kitchen table, take my shoes off, hang my coat up (all without greeting dog) and then open the fridge, ask the dog sit, give him a small treat and an ear rub, then ignore him for a few minutes.

It's the same quietly, quietly no fuss principal as leaving.

What a jolly lot of dog lovers we are, radio 4 and not fussing our dogs when we leave them or arrive back home. I do the same as Anya - except I'm mean and don't give my dogs a treat until they lie down on the rug in the middle of the kitchen. The same happens in the morning, they're at their giddiest when I come down to put the kettle on for that special first cup of tea of the day. They tend to pick up a special gift for me, it could be a pair of socks from the wash basket, a kong/dog toy which they'll hold in their mouths whilst trotting around me. Very quickly, they lie on the rug and watch attentively till I open the fridge and give them a sliver of cheese or hot dog sausage.

All done very quietly, small treat and ear rub then the cup of tea is ready so we all start the day happy

My dog is so laid back I have to prod him several times a day to check he's still breathing.

Would you like to swop for a day Anya? I have doodle dogs who are very enthusiastic about life, the universe and everything. Before anyone gets enraged about poodle crosses, the cost of them, etc etc I know, I know but they are lovely companions and very bright

I'd love a doodle dog Iam but not a swap for my lovely old fellow. However if you want one taking off your hands.......????

We have a dog who was all ready crate trained when we got him,he was 5 years old the crate stays in the same room all the time with door open he goes in the crate of his own accord it is his place where he can relax. He sleeps in it every night with door closed, no problems. Very happy dog it really isn't cruel.

It's an age thing Iam the old mutt has had his day but is slowing right down now, but then, aren't we all?

Try a kong stuffed with treats, chicken/cheese and plug in calmer, good luck

I don't believe all dogs get over separation anxiety, our neighbour's dog howled for 17 years and the stress of having to hear it day in day out made me very stressed. If you have a dog that does this get help for the sake of the sanity of the neighbours.